Best Direction for Solar Panels in the UK

Installing solar panels is one of the best ways to reduce energy bills and carbon footprint. However, the efficiency of solar panels largely depends on their positioning. The direction and angle at which they are installed can significantly impact energy generation.

Power your home with Upvolt’s smart solar solutions.

In this guide, we explore the best direction for solar panels in the UK and how you can optimise their placement for maximum efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• South-facing panels are the most efficient in the UK, capturing the most sunlight.
• East and west-facing panels generate energy in the morning and afternoon but at 15-20% less efficiency than south-facing.
• A 35-degree tilt angle is optimal for maximum solar energy absorption in most of the UK.
• Factors like shading, panel type, and roof space also impact solar panel performance and efficiency.

What is the Optimal Direction for Solar Panels in the UK?

The ideal direction for solar panels in the UK is south-facing. Since the UK is located in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun moves from east to west across the southern part of the sky. This means that south-facing panels can capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest point.

In some cases, depending on roof space and angle, panels facing southeast or southwest can also perform well. For a typical roof of 35 degrees pitch, panels facing southeast or southwest will receive 95% of the light energy each year for panels facing due south.

While south-facing panels are ideal, east and west-facing panels can still be effective. East-facing panels generate more electricity in the morning, whereas west-facing panels produce more energy in the afternoon and evening. These orientations work well for homes with high morning or evening energy usage. However, they may generate around 15-20% less electricity than south-facing panels.

North-facing panels are the least efficient in the UK because they receive minimal direct sunlight. According to The Eco Experts, for a typical 3kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system, north-facing panels will produce approximately 1,145 kWh of electricity per year, compared to, say, 1,361 kWh for a south-facing installation. So, north-facing panels don’t produce zero energy, but their output is significantly lower. If your roof is north-facing, alternative solutions like ground-mounted panels or solar tracking systems may be better.

Best Angle for Solar Panels in the UK

Apart from direction, the tilt angle of solar panels also affects performance. The ideal panel angle depends on your location. In most of the UK, the optimal tilt angle is 35 degrees. This tilt angle helps maximise solar energy absorption by allowing the panels to receive direct sunlight for longer periods, especially in the morning and afternoon.

A steeper angle (closer to 40°) is better in winter to capture lower sunlight, whereas a shallower angle (closer to 30°) maximises summer energy production. If you have a flat roof, adjustable mounting systems can help achieve the best tilt.

Other Factors That Affect Solar Panel Efficiency

Several factors beyond panel orientation can influence the performance of your solar system. Here are some key considerations:

• Shading

Avoid installing panels in areas that are shaded by trees, buildings, chimneys, or other obstructions. Even partial shading can significantly reduce energy output by blocking sunlight from reaching the panels. For example, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the energy lost annually from dust, soot, and other particulates amounts to as much as 7% in parts of the United States to as high as 50% in the Middle East.

• Panel Type

The type of solar panels you choose can impact efficiency. High-efficiency panels, such as monocrystalline panels, perform better in low-light conditions compared to lower-efficiency alternatives, making them ideal for locations with variable sunlight.

At Upvolt, we install a series of monofacial full-black solar modules with an output ranging between 420W and 455W. These panels feature market-leading efficiency and a 30-year performance warranty. We only use the highest quality modules, sourced from leading global manufacturers, ensuring long-term reliability and top-tier performance.

• Roof Space

Having ample roof space allows for more panels to be installed, helping to compensate for less-than-ideal orientations. More panels can increase the overall energy generation, even if they aren’t all facing directly south.

We can design a smart solar system tailored to your available roof space, ensuring that every panel is optimally placed to maximise energy production. Whether your roof is large or has some limitations, our expert team can create a custom solution that fits your needs.

• Solar Battery Storage & Smart Monitoring Systems

A solar battery system allows you to store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during periods of low sunlight. This ensures a more consistent energy supply and helps increase the value of your solar system, even if it’s not producing at full capacity.

A smart solar system can also enhance the way your solar energy works for you. With Upvolt’s Skygate® app, you can easily monitor and optimise your system’s performance. Skygate® runs in the background to improve your system’s efficiency. It can connect your home to affordable wind energy when the sun is not shining, ensuring you always have access to low-cost energy.

This intelligent system ensures your solar setup works seamlessly, providing you with better control and improved energy performance.

Let’s Recap

Installing solar panels is a smart way to lower energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, but their efficiency largely depends on proper orientation and tilt. In the UK, south-facing panels are the most efficient, as they capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day, particularly when the sun is at its highest point. While east-facing panels capture more sunlight in the morning and west-facing panels in the afternoon, both orientations generate less energy than south-facing ones. 

Other important factors like shading, panel type, and roof space also influence solar panel performance. Shading from trees or buildings can reduce the energy output, while high-efficiency panels, such as monocrystalline panels, perform better in low-light conditions, making them ideal for areas with variable sunlight.

With the right considerations, you can optimise your solar panel system for the best possible energy production.

About Upvolt

Upvolt specialises in delivering smart solar energy solutions tailored to homes in the UK. From personalised system design to professional solar panel installation and ongoing support, we offer comprehensive services to help you achieve energy independence.

Our team of highly skilled engineers uses premium-quality equipment to guarantee reliable performance, while our innovative Skygate® platform provides intelligent energy optimisation for maximum efficiency.

Request your free solar panel system quote today!

FAQs

What are the benefits of solar energy?

Solar power provides a range of benefits, including lower electricity bills, protection from utility price hikes, energy independence, and a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

What is the best orientation for solar panels in the UK?

The best solar panel orientation in the UK is south-facing. South-facing panels capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day, particularly when the sun is at its highest point.

Is it worth installing solar panels if I don’t have a south-facing roof?

Yes! Even if your solar panels don’t face south and are instead oriented to the east or west, they can still provide significant savings on electricity bills and help reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, with the right battery storage, you can store excess energy and make your system even more efficient, regardless of the orientation.

How much energy can I lose with a non-optimal direction?

West and east-facing panels typically generate 15-20% less energy than south-facing panels, while north-facing panels may produce up to 40% less energy. The efficiency loss is due to reduced exposure to direct sunlight throughout the day, but these orientations can still provide substantial energy savings.

Do solar panels work in the UK’s cloudy weather?

Yes! Solar panels generate electricity even on cloudy days, though their output is lower compared to sunny conditions. Modern solar panels are designed to work efficiently in diffuse light, so you can still benefit from solar energy, even on overcast days typical of the UK’s weather.

Alex Lomax

CEO & Co-Founder

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